FORMER GIRLS’ DISTRICT star Olivia Smith has been named in the England squad for the elite qualifying round of the UEFA European Women’s U17s Championship. John Griffiths’s Young Lionesses will play Italy, Poland and holders Germany in the round-robin group as all four teams attempt to qualify for the Euro finals in May.
Already capped four times at this level, as well as several appearances for English SFA U15s, Smith will look to play her way into the reckoning for a starting berth in defence.
AFC Telford United will host England’s opening two matches, against Poland on Saturday 25 March and Germany on Monday 27 March.
England complete their qualifying campaign against Italy at St. George’s Park on Thursday 30 March.
The top-placed nation in the group will make it through to the eight-team finals.